Phyllis M. Dolezalek
1922-2023
Phyllis M. Dolezalek, age 101, of Rib Lake, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family on Sept. 9, 2023, under the care of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care and Rib Lake Health Services where she had been a resident for seven weeks. A memorial mass will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at 11 a.m., with visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m.
Phyllis was born May 1, 1922, to the late John and Mary Tadin in Phillips. Being the oldest child raised on a farm, she milked cows by hand, helped harvest fields of potatoes, and plowed behind a horse. In her late teens, she went to Chicago, Ill., and worked in a factory making gears for warplanes during WWII. She returned to Phillips, married John Dolezalek in 1942, and began a love story that lasted 50 years. After living in Abbotsford for a short time, she resided the rest of her adult life in Rib Lake treasuring her lake view.
Phyllis and John operated the National Hotel and Johnnies Bar from approximately 1949 to 1959, and then she worked at Gem Products sewing boots and harnesses until retirement.
She relished playing jokes and making people laugh. Once Phyllis surprised a friend by filling her yard with 80 bras and a sign proclaiming the friend “needed all the support she could get” for her birthday.
Still at age 100, Phyllis exercised twice a week at the Aspirus Physical Fitness Center in Medford including riding the bike, walking on the treadmill, and lifting small weights. She LOVED to do better than the younger men in the gym! She was active in her community belonging to the Birthday Club, being treasurer of the Rib Lake Commercial and Civic Club, decorating floats for parades, and serving at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Christian Mothers, in the choir, and in the kitchen.
Phyllis loved to bake for her family and friends and was known for her apple slices, coffee cakes, and kolaches. She anxiously awaited spring to plant a garden and care for her fruit trees. Another love was attending her grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events where she wore a Rib Lake sweatshirt with “Grandma” imprinted on the back. She was happiest when surrounded by her “bunch”, when watching Packer, Brewer, or Badger games, and when telling entertaining stories from her past.
Phyllis will be dearly missed by her three children, John (Rachel) Dolezalek, of Rib Lake, Ronald (friend Mary) Dolezalek, of Ringle, and Debra Dolezalek, of Plover. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Corey (Thaddeus) Neururer, of Medina, Ohio, Dustin (Molly) Dolezalek, of Madison, and Dana (Andrew) Dilling, of DePere; and seven great-grandchildren whom she adored. She is further survived by her sister, Mary Gago, of Phillips, in addition to her nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; a young daughter, Phyllis; and a brother, John Tadin.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family.
You may view Phyllis’ obit and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.
Paid Obituary 142104
